Supporters protest neglect, attack NFF

The Nigeria Football Supporters’ Club are currently locked in a showdown with the Nigeria Football Federation over the NFF’s alleged lack of concern for their presence at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

But the supporters have pledged their support for the Super Eagles in the tournament despite the NFF allegedly ignoring them.

The club members, like many other Nigerians in the Eurasian country, have been going through tough times with skyrocketing accommodation prices and transport fares.

Some of the supporters, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attacked the NFF for not helping the club secure tickets for Saturday’s game against Croatia at the Kaliningrad Stadium.

Speaking on the development, the NFSC president-general Rafiu Ladipo was scathing of the national football body, accusing them of a lack of respect and regard for the club.

“The supporters club was able to come to Russia for the World Cup because of Glo, Rev. Mother Esther and the Lagos State Government,” the football enthusiast told our correspondent in Moscow.

“We also contributed individually to ensure that the national team don’t lack our support during their matches.

“We don’t want any money from them but they should at least recognise our presence here.”

The businessman added, “We know that our relationship with the NFF has not been cordial, and they don’t want to see our faces.

“We have worked with many NFF boards but the current one has not supported us; it is the worst we have worked with.”

Ladipo criticised a top member of the NFF for allegedly undermining the supporters’ club because “he doesn’t want to see us”.

He said, “We will support the Eagles to victory at the World Cup because we believe in Nigeria. We have sacrificed everything to be in Russia because we believe the Eagles can make the country proud and we want to be part of the success story. I love football and I’m passionate about it.

The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control president praised the sports ministry for ending the crisis in the supporters’ club.

Ladipo said, “The ministry didn’t give us money but have been able to unite us and laid to rest vthe crisis in the club.”

Copyright PUNCH.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.